Overview
Egypt had to rely on extra time to overcome Benin with a score of 3-1, but the next challenge was clearly at a higher level when they faced Ivory Coast, the reigning champion of the tournament.
Egypt seemed to be about to have a light victory before the West African representative equalized in the final minutes, forcing the match to be extended to extra time. Although the performance was not really convincing, that victory was still of great significance. Egypt extended their unbeaten streak against African opponents to 14 matches (12 wins, 2 draws).
With unbeaten form in the last 5 matches, including 4 wins and one draw, coach Hossam Hassan's team will try to maintain that positive momentum in the next match.
If they defeat the defending champion, Egypt will not only take a long step into the semi-finals but also open up opportunities to realize the goal of conquering the eighth continental championship, thereby continuing to consolidate their most traditional position at AFCON.
In the opposite direction, Ivory Coast just created the biggest victory of the 2025 tournament when defeating Burkina Faso 3-0 in the round of 16. Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande helped Elephants decide the game right in the first half, before Bazoumana Toure scored the third goal in the 79th minute, closing the overwhelming performance.
That result also emphasizes Ivory Coast's stability in the continental arena. They have entered the knockout stage in 10/11 recent AFCON appearances.
Entering the confrontation with Egypt, Elephants possesses a recent unbeaten streak (4 wins, 1 draw), a foundation enough for them to be confident against an opponent who is always famous for being difficult in knockout matches.
Personnel situation
Egypt is unlikely to significantly disrupt the starting lineup, as names that regularly play and ensure fitness are expected to still be trusted by Hossam Hassan in the upcoming match.
However, the Egyptian medical department will be particularly worried about the case of Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, who broke his ligament in the victory over Benin. Trezeguet and defender Mohamed Hamdy will have to say goodbye to the rest of the tournament due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture injury.
In addition to these two losses, Hassan still has many personnel options to prepare for the confrontation with the defending champion.
On the other side, Ivory Coast is forced to consider a replacement plan when Christ Inao Oulai was suspended in this match for accumulating enough cards.
Even so, they still hold an important advantage. Amad Diallo of Manchester United has scored 3 goals in the tournament and is the spearhead creating the difference of Elephants to date.
Expected lineup:
El Shenawy, Fatouh, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hany, Adel, Fathy, Attia, Ashour, Marmoush, Salah.
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana, Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan, Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana, Diallo, Guessand, Diomande.
The match between Egypt and Ivory Coast takes place at 2:00 AM on January 11 (Vietnam time).
